This bill aims to amend and clarify the existing laws regarding the criminal offenses of malicious assault, unlawful assault, and battery specifically targeting law-enforcement officers, correctional employees, and emergency medical service personnel in West Virginia. It introduces a new section, 61-2-10c, which provides definitions for key terms such as "emergency service personnel," "law-enforcement officer," and "correctional employee." The bill establishes specific penalties for these offenses, including felony charges for malicious and unlawful assaults, with potential prison sentences ranging from two to fifteen years, depending on the severity of the offense.

Additionally, the bill modifies the existing definitions and penalties in section 61-2-10b, removing references to "emergency service personnel" and "utility workers" while focusing on the protection of law-enforcement officers, correctional employees, and emergency medical service personnel. It also stipulates that individuals convicted of crimes against correctional employees cannot have their sentences run concurrently with other sentences they may be serving. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the legal framework surrounding assaults on public service personnel, ensuring they receive appropriate protection under the law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-2-10b, 61-2-10c